'Walktober' Is The County's Latest Initiative To Help MOCO Pedestrians

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The county will celebrate walking and promote pedestrian safety during "Walktober," a series of events that are the latest in the ongoing initiative to make Montgomery County a better place to be a pedestrian.

This year the city has lowered speed limits on some roads, earned funding to build pedestrian pathways, and encouraged people to go car-free for at least one day.

“Walking is healthy for your body, good for our environment, and the best way to see Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a statement. “We are committed to making walking and pedestrian mobility easy, safe, and accessible throughout Montgomery County. I encourage all residents to get their steps this ‘Walktober’ while the weather is beautiful, the foliage is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to explore new communities, dine at your favorite restaurants, and pick some apples or pumpkins at a local farm.”

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is partnering with state and local governments across Maryland for the seventh year of these events.

Here's the schedule:

• The Walk & Ride Challenge, Oct. 4 to 22
  • The Challenge is open to employees working remotely or in-person in five participating Transportation Management Districts around the County. Nearly 100 employer-based teams have registered and will compete against each other to log the most steps for weekly prizes and a grand prize at the end of the competition. More information on the Challenge is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/walkandride/rules.html.
• Walk to School Day, Oct. 6
  • All schools are encouraged to sponsor a Walk to School event and register their event at http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/

• Walking Wednesdays, every Wednesday during Walktober
  • Safe Routes to Schools team members will be at numerous Montgomery County Public Schools to talk safety, provide prizes and meet mascot Zeal. View details on the calendar here.
• Pedestrian Safety Events, every week
  • County staff will be at various locations to promote recent safety improvements made to nearby roadways and talk with residents about safely navigating through new bike lanes and pedestrian hybrid beacons. The events will be in Aspen Hill, Friendship Heights, Wheaton and Germantown. View details on the calendar here.
• Walk Maryland Day, Oct. 6
  • Event encourages Marylanders to participate in registered walks. Marylanders can become Walk Maryland Day “Sole Mates” by registering to join one of the official walks across the State.
• The State is hosting four webinars, dubbed “walkinars,” every Thursday throughout October. Details and registration can be found here.